Betty’s Story

Personal care and companionship

Betty has always been a strong minded, independent lady. She lost her husband when her children were young, never remarried and despite hardships, brought her children up alone. Betty had always expressed to her children that she never wanted to end up in a residential care home or live with them, but wanted to maintain her own independence. Betty’s children are very close to their mum, but are all now married and lead busy lives.

Betty is becoming frail and although she is able to do some very light household chores, she is unable to go shopping on her own and cooking is becoming difficult. Over the years she has lost touch with her friends and sometimes feels lonely and isolated.

With Betty’s frailty, her children were concerned about their mum staying at home and thought there was no option other than residential care. A friend told them about Right at Home and the company has worked with Betty’s family to put a package of care in place that is similar in price to a residential care setting. This includes help with personal care, meal preparation, companionship and running errands and when Betty feels unwell, overnight stays at her home.

Betty is now a different person; she no longer feels lonely or isolated and can continue to live in her own home and now has the confidence to go out with her carer to the shops. Right at Home has helped her sons and daughters to relax with peace of mind and reassurance that their mum is happy and safe in her own home, living independently and making her own choices.